Respiratory Therapist
Company : Select Medical
Location : Ozark, MO, 65721
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Overview
Hospital Name: CoxHealth Rehabilitation HospitalPartnership with Select MedicalPosition: Respiratory TherapistLocation: Ozark, Missouri
Schedule: Fulltime
Be part of something new—this position supports our brand-new IRH hospital opening in January 2026!
A partnership between CoxHealth and Select Medical, our 63-bed medical rehabilitation hospital serves patients in Southwest Missouri. Our Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital is committed to providing exceptional and compassionate care to best address the medical, physical, emotional, and vocational challenges for individuals with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, orthopedic issues, amputation, and multiple traumas.
Why Join Us:
- Start Strong: Extensive and thorough orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into our setting
- Recharge & Refresh: Generous PTO and Paid Sick Time for full-time team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Your Health Matters: Comprehensive medical/RX, health, vision, employee assistance program (EAP), and dental plan offerings for full-time team members
- Invest in Your Future: Company-matching 401(k) retirement plan, as well as life and disability protection for full-time team members
- Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 committed to providing exceptional patient care
Responsibilities
- Evaluates patient and recommends a treatment plan.
- Explains purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment to the patients, and provides necessary education upon discharging to home.
- Conducts physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature operating various ventilatory equipment, both invasive and non-invasive, various oxygen and aerosol devices, and various nebulizer devices in order to administer prescribed medications, humidification, ventilation and oxygenation to the patient.
- Performs chest physiotherapy by operating various equipment to promote secretion clearance, suctioning of the patient by various methods (oropharyngeal, nasal and tracheal), oximetry and capnography monitoring according to policy.
- Performs routine review of patient's chest x-rays to determine need for further evaluation.
- Performs 12-Lead EKG and basic arrhythmia recognition.
- Performs pulmonary function studies according to policy (i.e. NIF, VC etc.)
- Assists with procedures relating to respiratory care according to policy (i.e. Bronchoscopy, Perc Trachs, Chest Tube placement, etc.), where applicable.
- Performs adequate drainage of chest via PleurX catheter or similar device where applicable.
- Performs tracheostomy care according to policy, including insertion and removal of tracheostomy tubes (emergent and non-emergent).
- Performs arterial puncture according to policy and is able to determine efficiency of ventilation, as well as monitoring, recording and reporting of test results, where applicable.
- Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to BLS and ACLS guidelines.
- Performs insertion and removal of endotracheal tubes via free hand technique and/or video laryngoscope system, where applicable.
- Records all pertinent information of treatments, and patient response to treatments on respiratory care records and patient chart (including pre and post-assessment according to policy).
- Communicates with attending and pulmonary physician's concerning the efficiency of therapy administered to the patient.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- BLS certification required.
- Current state licensure required.
- ACLS required within 6 months of hire. (Agency RT must have ACLS upon first shift, PRN staff must have ACLS upon hire).
Preferred Qualifications
- Must possess “Active” credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) or state equivalent; RRT preferred.
- One (1) year of related experience preferred.
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
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Frequently asked questions
Ozark, MO, has seen a steady increase in healthcare needs, boosting demand for respiratory therapists. This trend suggests improving job stability and opportunities for professionals skilled in managing pulmonary care, especially in rehabilitation settings like Select Medical's upcoming facility.
In Missouri, beyond the mandatory state licensure, acquiring the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the NBRC significantly increases job prospects. Employers often prefer candidates with ACLS certification within six months of hire, aligning with regional healthcare standards.
Respiratory therapists in rehab hospitals engage in specialized care, including managing ventilatory equipment, performing chest physiotherapy, and assisting with procedures like bronchoscopy. Their focus extends to comprehensive patient education and collaborating closely with physicians to tailor respiratory treatment plans.
Respiratory therapists often advance from clinical roles to supervisory or managerial positions, such as respiratory therapist supervisor or manager. Others may specialize further, becoming consultants or educators, leveraging certifications like RRT and experience gained across various healthcare settings.
Select Medical's partnership with CoxHealth offers a unique blend of cutting-edge rehabilitation care and extensive orientation programs. Therapists here benefit from a supportive environment emphasizing both patient impact and professional growth, with comprehensive benefits tailored for full-time staff.
Select Medical provides generous paid time off, health benefits, and a company-matched 401(k) plan. Additionally, new hires undergo thorough orientation, ensuring a smooth transition, while ongoing support encourages continuous learning and career advancement within their expansive healthcare network.
In Ozark, MO, full-time respiratory therapists typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, slightly below the national average due to the regional cost of living. However, benefits and career growth opportunities in rehabilitation hospitals like Select Medical can offset salary differences.
Respiratory therapy assistants primarily support therapists by handling routine tasks and patient care under supervision, while respiratory therapists design and implement complex treatment plans. Assistants often require less certification but have limited scope, influencing their career trajectory and salary potential.
New facilities often require therapists to adapt quickly to evolving protocols and multidisciplinary collaboration. They may encounter a diverse patient population with complex neurological and trauma-related conditions, demanding flexibility, comprehensive knowledge, and strong communication to optimize recovery outcomes.
Respiratory therapists in Ozark often participate in community outreach, educating patients on chronic respiratory disease management and prevention. By bridging hospital care with home health and outpatient services, they play a critical role in enhancing public health and reducing hospital readmissions.